Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Kettle Forum => Topic started by: JDD on September 19, 2014, 08:14:51 AM

Title: My first rescue!!
Post by: JDD on September 19, 2014, 08:14:51 AM
I just happened to drive by a garage sale, on my way to work, and decided to check it out. Of course you all know what was on my mind.  There were 3 newer model black kettles priced very high for being used so I asked if they had any others and the nice lady pulled this out from behind the garage.
Is this a grey color or just a very faded black?  It is grey all over and I can't find any black spots.
It has a very odd looking D vent code stamped in a different position from other codes I've seen. This kettle is an MBH, daisy wheel (three wheeler), with a 2 rivet wood lid handle. According to the Weber Age Guide "The 1981 kettle lost the metal handles on the side of the bowl. They were replaced with wooden handles. The wooden handles also switched from the 2-rivet handle to a single screw." How can this be stamped with a D code? That would make it a 1982.
It is missing the ash catcher so if anybody has one for sale please PM me.
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/9C9F2AC7-4064-423A-8519-F5FE40D1662D.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/9C9F2AC7-4064-423A-8519-F5FE40D1662D.jpg.html),(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/BEBE9104-8511-41EE-8585-3C74ABC2926A.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/BEBE9104-8511-41EE-8585-3C74ABC2926A.jpg.html), (http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/1635B793-099E-4729-BB64-FC2A75BCB9F8.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/1635B793-099E-4729-BB64-FC2A75BCB9F8.jpg.html), (http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/87EC4945-B542-44E3-836C-4FE3A87D8B7C.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/87EC4945-B542-44E3-836C-4FE3A87D8B7C.jpg.html), (http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/6938FE83-6139-47DC-8E0C-97FD7DE568E7.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/6938FE83-6139-47DC-8E0C-97FD7DE568E7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: dazzo on September 19, 2014, 08:26:16 AM
First off, nice rescue!

I vote faded black '78

The D is strange, but with my limited experience, I'd say it wasn't a date stamp.

Oh, wait. It was a special edition throw-back limited release model from 1982. Yeah, that's it     ::)

Good job.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: glrasmussen on September 19, 2014, 08:32:24 AM
Not sure, but it might be a 78 model. Think the "D" stamp might indicate demo. I think it is a faded black. Take some Pam and wipe a spot. Handles and leg sockets look darker in the pictures. Still a nice find and rescue.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: SixZeroFour on September 19, 2014, 08:48:09 AM
Cool find! I agree with the 78' age estimate and also that the "D" isn't standard issue... It could be demo like glr noted, or possibly someone stamped their own initial in the vent?
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: glrasmussen on September 19, 2014, 08:58:11 AM
JDD, here is a picture of one I used to have. Didn't make sense either.
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj623/glrasmussen/VentMBHYellow_zps642edba3.jpg) (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/glrasmussen/media/VentMBHYellow_zps642edba3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: SixZeroFour on September 19, 2014, 09:00:28 AM
Interesting! So it must be a factory mark of some sort... Or some guy with the initial D had some sweet kettles in his day ;)
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: jcnaz on September 19, 2014, 09:09:05 AM
Nice old kettle.
I am interested in seeing the results of the Pam test.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: dazzo on September 19, 2014, 09:52:22 AM
Quote from: SixZeroFour on September 19, 2014, 09:00:28 AM
Interesting! So it must be a factory mark of some sort... Or some guy with the initial D had some sweet kettles in his day ;)

We gotta meet this "D" guy!

;D
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 09:58:37 AM
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: Taz on September 19, 2014, 10:21:46 AM
Nice rescue.  Another vote for 1978.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: 1911Ron on September 19, 2014, 10:43:31 AM
Nice score!
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: GregS on September 19, 2014, 12:10:12 PM
it's not uncommon for there to be mid production change units in other industries that carry parts of both years during a model change.

rather than leave parts unused they just finish using all of one thing before switching to the new whateveritis. 

the car industry used to do it, or at least AMC did.  my buddy's '70 AMX (per the title) had a '69 rear end, tail lights, bumper etc and it was purchased new by his dad.  same thing with gibson, fender and plenty of other guitar manufacturers so i'd assume it'd be no different with weber.

leaving inventory unused is waste, and companies simply don't like waste as it cuts into the profits.


congrats on the faded beauty!  very nice! 
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: JDD on September 19, 2014, 01:10:59 PM
Thanks for all your input guys. I will put some Pam on it as soon as I get home to see what happens. I really like the grey color so I hope it does not turn black. Will Pam bring back the original color for very long?
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 01:33:33 PM
Try it all the way down under on the bottom & if it's not how you'd like, just water wash it.....

The oiling will last for maybe a few months, less if you're cooking on it all the time & heating it up.....

Personally, I like the old faded gray look...........oh well, a touch of gray...kinda.....

(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/3-6-2013%20%20Beef/3-6-2013Beef023.jpg)


Yours looks pretty nice & even.....maybe keep it like that ?
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: JDD on September 19, 2014, 01:56:01 PM
Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 01:33:33 PM
Try it all the way down under on the bottom & if it's not how you'd like, just water wash it.....

The oiling will last for maybe a few months, less if you're cooking on it all the time & heating it up.....

Personally, I like the old faded gray look...........oh well, a touch of gray...kinda.....



Yours looks pretty nice & even.....maybe keep it like that ?

Yes indeed and every silver lining's got a touch of grey!
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: jcnaz on September 19, 2014, 02:38:51 PM

[/quote]

Yes indeed and every silver lining's got a touch of grey!
[/quote]
Damn, you beat me to it!
;D
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: JDD on September 20, 2014, 07:04:01 AM
Well it looks like I still have an all black family. The Pam did turn it very dark.  Oh well I was hoping to add some diversity to my family. I'm still undecided on whether or not I should Pam the whole kettle or leave it the way it is. Either way I will post some pics when I'm finished with the restore.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: dazzo on September 20, 2014, 07:29:14 AM
The good thing (in my opinion) is that the grey touch-up will fade and you'll have a grill with some character, and some diversity.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: JDD on September 27, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
Here are a couple of pictures after some Pam and a little clean up: (http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/IMG_05641.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/IMG_05641.jpg.html), (http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/new/IMG_05561.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/new/IMG_05561.jpg.html), (http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/Mobile%20Uploads/new/IMG_05551-1.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/new/IMG_05551-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: 1buckie on September 27, 2014, 09:13:36 PM


Nice!!!!!

That gizmo's a killer smoker !!!!!
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: MrHoss on September 27, 2014, 09:14:48 PM
Fine looking kettle there - I like the sheen the Pam puts on.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: GregS on September 28, 2014, 03:06:11 AM
Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 01:33:33 PM(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/3-6-2013%20%20Beef/3-6-2013Beef023.jpg)

kettles are so happy at buckie's...

they table dance.   8)


Quote from: JDD on September 27, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad335/jimdunne/IMG_05641.jpg) (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/IMG_05641.jpg.html),
(http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jimdunne/media/Mobile%20Uploads/new/IMG_05561.jpg.html)

this image is full of win. 

very nice restore! 
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: Harbormaster on September 28, 2014, 04:52:28 AM
Nice score and nice job on the restore. I have a couple like that. I call them RatRods and they are my go-to grills.

Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 09:58:37 AM
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)

Buckie, are you sure that's a "D"? Looks like a poorly stamped "P" to me.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: 1buckie on September 28, 2014, 08:28:45 AM
Quote from: Harbormaster on September 28, 2014, 04:52:28 AM
Nice score and nice job on the restore. I have a couple like that. I call them RatRods and they are my go-to grills.

Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 09:58:37 AM
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)

Buckie, are you sure that's a "D"? Looks like a poorly stamped "P" to me.

Yeah, quite possible.....thought I'd found the White Buffalo, but it's from a Brown Mastertouch, so wouldn't be available 'till 1993 or something......

Or, it might stand for "Demo" somehow?

@Harbormaster
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: Craig on October 02, 2014, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: 1buckie on September 28, 2014, 08:28:45 AM
Quote from: Harbormaster on September 28, 2014, 04:52:28 AM
Nice score and nice job on the restore. I have a couple like that. I call them RatRods and they are my go-to grills.

Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 09:58:37 AM
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)

Buckie, are you sure that's a "D"? Looks like a poorly stamped "P" to me.


Yeah, quite possible.....thought I'd found the White Buffalo, but it's from a Brown Mastertouch, so wouldn't be available 'till 1993 or something......

Or, it might stand for "Demo" somehow?

@Harbormaster



One problem with this "D" vent is that it is stamped "PALATINE, ILL"

In 1983 "E" code, the vents were still stamped "ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL". They switched to Palatine in 1984 "F" code.
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: Craig on October 02, 2014, 08:04:21 PM
And @JDD  that is a sweet black. I vote '78 with a specialized demo "D" or something along those lines...
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: demosthenes9 on October 02, 2014, 08:21:23 PM
Quote from: 1buckie on September 28, 2014, 08:28:45 AM
Quote from: Harbormaster on September 28, 2014, 04:52:28 AM
Nice score and nice job on the restore. I have a couple like that. I call them RatRods and they are my go-to grills.

Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 09:58:37 AM
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)

Buckie, are you sure that's a "D"? Looks like a poorly stamped "P" to me.

Yeah, quite possible.....thought I'd found the White Buffalo, but it's from a Brown Mastertouch, so wouldn't be available 'till 1993 or something......

Or, it might stand for "Demo" somehow?

@Harbormaster

Yep yep, it's mine.  So glad you found it.  I'll happily pay the $1 reward that I was offering for it's safe return    ;D
Title: Re: My first rescue!!
Post by: 1buckie on October 02, 2014, 11:25:00 PM
Quote from: Craig on October 02, 2014, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: 1buckie on September 28, 2014, 08:28:45 AM
Quote from: Harbormaster on September 28, 2014, 04:52:28 AM
Nice score and nice job on the restore. I have a couple like that. I call them RatRods and they are my go-to grills.

Quote from: 1buckie on September 19, 2014, 09:58:37 AM
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)

Buckie, are you sure that's a "D"? Looks like a poorly stamped "P" to me.


Yeah, quite possible.....thought I'd found the White Buffalo, but it's from a Brown Mastertouch, so wouldn't be available 'till 1993 or something......

Or, it might stand for "Demo" somehow?

@Harbormaster



One problem with this "D" vent is that it is stamped "PALATINE, ILL"

In 1983 "E" code, the vents were still stamped "ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL". They switched to Palatine in 1984 "F" code.

That makes more sense than a MasterTouch in  1982............. :o

A goofy "P" like Clark says maybe makes the most sense,,,,,A Brown MasterTouch makes the least sense of all........Alton Brown's, Golly &/or Hogsy's & I don't think there's many more out there.......